This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of training and whether or not it is the responsibility of companies or employees.
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Dave
IELTS Essay: Training Staff
Many jobs require ongoing training and research to stay competitive in a world with rapidly evolving information and technology. Some believe that it is the responsibility of businesses to pay for this training for their staff while others feel it is up to the individual.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
In an era of technological disruption, it is becoming increasingly important for businesses to consistently train their employees. In my opinion, though individuals in certain professions should undertake training for their own self-respect, this requirement is generally the responsibility of businesses.
There are particular sectors where the duty to continue training is a matter of self-respect. This applies to professions where employees are well-compensated and play a key role in society. For instance, doctors receive high salaries and impact public health greatly. A doctor who works with cancer patients has a responsibility to read the latest research in order to understand the best possible options for treatment. Failing to do so would amount to wasting their potential and not fulfilling their duty of care. However, these positions are the exception and, for most jobs, lack of current training will not have such dire ramifications.
I believe companies should be primarily responsible for training as they possess the means and motive. An illustrative example of this would be banks. At many banks, it is essential for employees to understand regulatory changes and learn about new developments in the field. Such training benefits the individual to an extent but the bank itself gains the most from having a qualified staff that can make sound financial decisions. However, the average bank worker may not have the time or finances to afford such courses. Therefore, it is common practice at well-run banks to provide free online or university courses for committed employees. This strategy holds true not simply for banking but for any job where new training will be beneficial for the overall business.
In conclusion, despite exceptions in certain professions, companies that are financially able and also stand to benefit the most should be responsible for training. This will only become more crucial in coming years as technology continues to outpace other industries.
Analysis
1. In an era of technological disruption, it is becoming increasingly important for businesses to consistently train their employees. 2. In my opinion, though individuals in certain professions should undertake training for their own self-respect, this requirement is generally the responsibility of businesses.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. There are particular sectors where the duty to continue training is a matter of self-respect. 2. This applies to professions where employees are well-compensated and play a key role in society. 3. For instance, doctors receive high salaries and impact public health greatly. 4. A doctor who works with cancer patients has a responsibility to read the latest research in order to understand the best possible options for treatment. 5. Failing to do so would amount to wasting their potential and not fulfilling their duty of care. 6. However, these positions are the exception and, for most jobs, lack of current training will not have such dire ramifications.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea.
Develop it with specific or hypothetical examples.
Keep developing it fully.
Vary long and short sentences.
Finish development.
1. I believe companies should be primarily responsible for training as they possess the means and motive. 2. An illustrative example of this would be banks. 3. At many banks, it is essential for employees to understand regulatory changes and learn about new developments in the field. 4. Such training benefits the individual to an extent but the bank itself gains the most from having a qualified staff that can make sound financial decisions. 5. However, the average bank worker may not have the time or finances to afford such courses. 6. Therefore, it is common practice at well-run banks to provide free online or university courses for committed employees. 7. This strategy holds true not simply for banking but for any job where new training will be beneficial for the overall business.
Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
Explain your new main idea.
Include specific details and examples.
Add as much information as you can and make sure it links logically.
Develop the example fully.
State the results as well.
Generalize to other areas.
1. In conclusion, despite exceptions in certain professions, companies that are financially able and also stand to benefit the most should be responsible for training. 2. This will only become more crucial in coming years as technology continues to outpace other industries.
Summarise your main ideas.
Include a final thought. Read more about conclusions here.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?Make some notes on paper to aid memory and then check below.
In an era of technological disruption, it is becoming increasingly important for businesses to consistently train their employees. In my opinion, though individuals in certain professions should undertake training for their own self-respect, this requirement is generally the responsibility of businesses.
There are particular sectors where the duty to continue training is a matter of self-respect. This applies to professions where employees are well-compensated and play a key role in society. For instance, doctors receive high salaries and impact public health greatly. A doctor who works with cancer patients has a responsibility to read the latest research in order to understand the best possible options for treatment. Failing to do so would amount to wasting their potential and not fulfilling their duty of care. However, these positions are the exception and, for most jobs, lack of current training will not have such dire ramifications.
I believe companies should be primarily responsible for training as they possess the means and motive. An illustrative example of this would be banks. At many banks, it is essential for employees to understand regulatory changes and learn about new developments in the field. Such training benefits the individual to an extent but the bank itself gains the most from having a qualified staff that can make sound financial decisions. However, the average bank worker may not have the time or finances to afford such courses. Therefore, it is common practice at well-run banks to provide free online or university courses for committed employees. This strategy holds true not simply for banking but for any job where new training will be beneficial for the overall business.
In conclusion, despite exceptions in certain professions, companies that are financially able and also stand to benefit the most should be responsible for training. This will only become more crucial in coming years as technology continues to outpace other industries.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
in an era of technological disruption as tech becomes more advanced
increasingly important more and more crucial
consistently train constantly improve and learn more
certain particular
undertake do
self-respect dignity
requirement need
generally overall
responsibility duty
particular sectors individual jobs
duty responsibility
is a matter of self-respect pertains to how you view yourself
applies is true for
well-compensated make a lot of money
play a key role in society important to the public
high salaries making a lot of money
impact public health greatly help people get healthier
cancer patients people who have cancer
latest research in order to understand new studies to learn about
best possible options well-informed choices
treatment medicines
failing to do so would amount to wasting their potential not doing this would constitute a waste
I recommend getting a pencil and piece of paper because that aids memory. Then write down the missing vocabulary from my sample answer in your notebook:
I______________________________________n, it is becoming i________________________t for businesses to c__________________n their employees. In my opinion, though individuals in c_________n professions should u___________e training for their own s____________t, this r______________t is g____________y the r________________y of businesses.
There are p_________________s where the d_____y to continue training i__________________________t. This a________s to professions where employees are w____________________d and p_______________________y. For instance, doctors receive h_____________s and i__________________________y. A doctor who works with c________________s has a responsibility to read the l_______________h i________________o u________________d the b____________________s for t_____________t. F_________________o w__________________o w_____________________l and not f__________g their d______________e. However, these positions are the e______________n and, for most jobs, l_____k of c__________t training will not have such d____________________s.
I believe companies should be p______________y responsible for training as they p__________s the m_________s and m_________e. An i____________________e of this would be banks. At many banks, it is essential for employees to u___________________________s and learn about n________________________s in the f_______d. Such training benefits the individual t______________t but the bank itself g_________________t from having a q________________f that can m_____________________________s. However, the a_____________e bank worker may not have the time or f___________s to a_________d such courses. Therefore, it is c______________e at w_____________________s to p__________e free online or university courses for c_______________________s. This s__________________e not simply for banking but for any job where new training will be b_______________l for the o____________________s.
In conclusion, d_____________________s in certain professions, companies that are f_______________e and also s_____________________________t should be responsible for training. This will only become more c__________l in coming years as technology continues to o__________e other industries.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic by watching videos from The New York Times YouTube channel below and practice with these activities:
This is an IELTS writing task 1 sample answer essay on the topic of the process of using leather to make products like bags, shoes, and balls.
Please consider supporting my efforts to creative high quality IELTS materials for students around the world by signing up for my Patreon (and so you won’t miss out on any of my exclusive IELTS Ebooks)!
Dave
IELTS Essay Task 1: Leather Process
The diagram details the process of making leather products.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
The diagram details the process by which leather products are made for retail. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that there are 3 main steps to this entirely man-made process beginning with initial transportation of the raw material to the factory, followed by preparation and processing of the material, and finally the production of consumer products.
Firstly, the leather skins from various animals are dried. Subsequent to this, they are taken to a factory by truck where they are washed in water and lime. The skins are then soaked in more lime for a period of time before being run through a machine with large rollers that flattens them out.
Next, the flattened skins are soaked in tannin, which is composed of water and vegetable matter. They are then polished by another rolling device and taken to another factory by trucks. In this factory, the final products are crafted and available to consumer shops.
Analysis
1. The diagram details the process by which leather products are made for retail. 2. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that there are 3 main steps to this entirely man-made process beginning with initial transportation of the raw material to the factory, followed by preparation and processing of the material, and finally the production of consumer products.
Paraphrase what the process shows.
Write a clear overview summarising the major groups. Read here about overviews for processes.
1. Firstly, the leather skins from various animals are dried. 2. Subsequent to this, they are taken to a factory by truck where they are washed in water and lime. 3. The skins are then soaked in more lime for a period of time before being run through a machine with large rollers that flattens them out.
Begin writing about the details of the process.
This one is tricky to get up to the word count (no longer required on IELTS) so try to make it a little wordy.
Include every step in the process.
1. Next, the flattened skins are soaked in tannin, which is composed of water and vegetable matter. 2. They are then polished by another rolling device and taken to another factory by trucks. 3. In this factory, the final products are crafted and available to consumer shops.
Write about the rest of the process – include everything!
Try to paraphrase some of the words from process as well.
Add in the last step of the process.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?Take some notes on a piece of paper to aid your memory:
The diagram details the process by which leather products are made for retail. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that there are 3 main steps to this entirely man-made process beginning with initial transportation of the raw material to the factory, followed by preparation and processing of the material, and finally the production of consumer products.
Firstly, the leather skins from various animals are dried. Subsequent to this, they are taken to a factory by truck where they are washed in water and lime. The skins are then soaked in more lime for a period of time before being runthrough a machine with large rollers that flattens them out.
Next, the flattened skins are soaked in tannin, which is composed of water and vegetable matter. They are then polished by another rolling device and taken to another factory by trucks. In this factory, the final products are crafted and available to consumer shops.
Answers
Try practicing with the vocabulary below by writing an antonym/opposite word on a piece of paper (or just thinking of one):
diagram details process hows
process diagram
leather products made from animal skins, usually from cows
retail for sale
Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that overall
main steps biggest stages
entirely completely
man-made process done by humans
beginning with starting with
initial transportation first sending
raw material basic substance
factory place to make items
followed by next
preparation being made
processing making into
finally in the end
production making into something
consumer products objecets for sale
firstly to start
skins the hide of an animal
dried not wet
subsequent to this after this
taken sent to
truck big car
washed cleaned
lime cleaning substance
soaked left in water
a period of time some period
runthrough put through
machine device
large rollers big objects for flattening
flattens them out stretches them
next after this
tannin a chemical protein
composed of made of
vegetable matter comes from vegetables
polished made shiny
rolling device circular object for flattening or spreading
The d_________________s the p__________s by which l____________________s are made for r______l. L________________________________________________t there are 3 m____________s to this e__________y m________________s b_________________h i____________________n of the r__________________l to the f__________y, f_______________y p____________n and p_____________g of the m__________l, and f_________y the p____________n of c____________________s.
F_______y, the leather s______s from various animals are d______d. S____________________s, they are t______n to a factory by t______k where they are w________d in water and l_______e. The skins are then s____________d in more lime for a___________________e before being r______________h a m____________e with l_______________s that f_________________t.
N_____t, the flattened skins are soaked in t_________n, which is c_______________f water and v______________r. They are then p__________d by another r_______________e and taken to another factory by trucks. In this factory, the f______l products are c_______d and a___________e to c_________________s.
Listening Practice
Listen to the related topic below and practice with these activities:
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of noise in public places and the causes and solutions for this problem.
Please consider supporting me on Patreon.com/howtodoielts to receive my full, exclusive IELTS Ebooks!
Dave
IELTS Essay: Noise
There is too much noise in many public places in cities.
What are the causes of this problem?
What can be done to solve the problem?
Public areas in cities today are becoming increasingly noisy. In my opinion, this change is caused by surging urban populations and shifting attitudes to personal space. The best solutions involve innovative urban design.
The underlying reasons for higher noise levels in public spaces are growing residential figures and changes in social behavior. Firstly, the migration of individuals from the countryside to cities has been well documented over the last century. This trend shows no sign of abating and it is self-evident that more residents talking, operating vehicles, and interacting in public areas will create more noise. Moreover, people are now less self-conscious. This is a uniquely modern trend and is most apparent on social media. Most people are now comfortable making videos in public, taking photos, and talking loudly on their phones. This psychological shift has its benefits but one drawback is the contribution to noise levels.
The most realistic solutions are adaptations by the authorities. I strongly believe that the trends themselves cannot be countered since they follow the dictates of human nature. Attempting to ban phones in public or restrict residency numbers in certain cities would in fact engender greater problems. Instead, governments can make myriad minor adjustments. Public spaces could include more structures, such as trees and statues, in order to absorb sound. On public transport, there could be softer padding so that sound does not bounce and travel as far. There may also be steps that could be taken in terms of traffic and residential areas that would encourage more spread out cities with lower density. These are minor solutions to a large problem, however, their impact in the aggregate would be meaningful.
In conclusion, although cities are becoming noisier as they become more populous and people are more open today, this can be remedied if authorities devise novel counters. In the future, this issue will only become more pressing.
Analysis
1. Public areas in cities today are becoming increasingly noisy. 2. In my opinion, this change is caused by surging urban populations and shifting attitudes to personal space. 3. The best solutions involve innovative urban design.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
I usually write 2 sentence introductions, but this isn’t a strict rule.
1. The underlying reasons for higher noise levels in public spaces are growing residential figures and changes in social behavior. 2. Firstly, the migration of individuals from the countryside to cities has been well documented over the last century. 3. This trend shows no sign of abating and it is self-evident that more residents talking, operating vehicles, and interacting in public areas will create more noise. 4. Moreover, people are now less self-conscious. 5. This is a uniquely modern trend and is most apparent on social media. 6. Most people are now comfortable making videos in public, taking photos, and talking loudly on their phones. 7. This psychological shift has its benefits but one drawback is the contribution to noise levels.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea.
Develop it with specific or hypothetical examples.
Keep developing it fully.
Vary long and short sentences.
This paragraph might be longer because there are two ideas.
Finish the development.
1. The most realistic solutions are adaptations by the authorities. 2. I strongly believe that the trends themselves cannot be countered since they follow the dictates of human nature. 3. Attempting to ban phones in public or restrict residency numbers in certain cities would in fact engender greater problems. 4. Instead, governments can make myriad minor adjustments. 5. Public spaces could include more structures, such as trees and statues, in order to absorb sound. 6. On public transport, there could be softer padding so that sound does not bounce and travel as far. 7. There may also be steps that could be taken in terms of traffic and residential areas that would encourage more spread out cities with lower density. 8. These are minor solutions to a large problem, however, their impact in the aggregate would be meaningful.
Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
Explain your new main idea.
Include specific details and examples.
Add as much information as you can and make sure it links logically.
Develop the example fully.
State the results as well.
Include some long sentences.
Relate it back to the topic.
1. In conclusion, although cities are becoming noisier as they become more populous and people are more open today, this can be remedied if authorities devise novel counters. 2. In the future, this issue will only become more pressing.
Summarise your main ideas.
Include a final thought. Read more about conclusions here.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?Make some notes on paper to aid memory and then check below.
Public areas in cities today are becoming increasingly noisy. In my opinion, this change is caused bysurging urban populations and shifting attitudes to personal space. The best solutions involve innovative urban design.
The underlying reasons for higher noise levels in public spaces are growing residential figures and changes in social behavior. Firstly, the migration of individuals from the countryside to cities has been well documented over the last century. This trend shows no sign of abating and it is self-evident that more residents talking, operating vehicles, and interacting in public areas will create more noise. Moreover, people are now less self-conscious. This is a uniquely modern trend and is most apparent on social media. Most people are now comfortable making videos in public, taking photos, and talking loudly on their phones. This psychological shift has its benefits but one drawback is the contribution to noise levels.
The most realistic solutions are adaptations by the authorities. I strongly believe that the trends themselves cannot be countered since they follow the dictates of human nature. Attempting to ban phones in public or restrict residency numbers in certain cities would in fact engender greater problems. Instead, governments can make myriad minor adjustments. Public spaces could include more structures, such as trees and statues, in order to absorb sound. On public transport, there could be softer padding so that sound does not bounce and travel as far. There may also be steps that could be taken in terms of traffic and residential areas that would encourage more spread out cities with lower density. These are minor solutions to a large problem, however, their impact in the aggregate would be meaningful.
In conclusion, although cities are becoming noisier as they become more populous and people are more open today, this can be remedied if authorities devise novel counters. In the future, this issue will only become more pressing.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
public areas parks, open places in cities
caused by the result of
surging increasing a lot
urban populations people in cities
shifting attitudes changing outlooks
personal space private space
best solutions optimal remedies
innovative urban design creative ideas for the city
underlying reasons basic causes
noise levels how loud it is
public spaces open areas where all people can go
growing residential figures more and more people living there
social behavior how people act in public
migration moving
countryside rural areas
well documented covered a lot
century 100 years
trend pattern
no sign of abating not getting better
self-evident obvious
residents people living there
operating vehicles driving cars
interacting talking to
less self-conscious not worried about what others think
uniquely modern trend distinctly new
most apparent clearest
social media Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, etc.
comfortable feel good about
loudly very noisily
psychological shift change in thinking
drawback tradeoff
contribution adding to
realistic solutions practical fixes
adaptations changes
authorities those in charge
strongly believe really feel
countered fixed
dictates rules
human nature how people naturally are
attempting trying
ban prohibit
restrict residency numbers limit the number of people who can live there
in fact actually
engender create
greater problems bigger issues
make myriad minor adjustments do lots of little changes
I recommend getting a pencil and piece of paper because that aids memory. Then write down the missing vocabulary from my sample answer in your notebook:
P____________s in cities today are becoming increasingly noisy. In my opinion, this change is c__________ys_________g u___________________s and s__________________s to p_______________e. The b_______________s involve i_______________________n.
The u______________________s for higher n____________s in p___________s are g______________________s and changes in s_________________r. Firstly, the m_____________n of individuals from the c_____________e to cities has been w____________________d over the last c_________y. This t_______d shows n_________________g and it is s__________t that more r___________s talking, o_______________s, and i_____________g in public areas will create more noise. Moreover, people are now l________________s. This is a u_____________________d and is m_____________t on s_________________a. Most people are now c______________e making videos in public, taking photos, and talking l_________y on their phones. This p__________________________t has its benefits but one d___________k is the c___________n to noise levels.
The most r_______________________s are a____________s by the a_______________s. I s__________________e that the trends themselves cannot be c________________d since they follow the d__________s of h____________e. A____________g to b___n phones in public or r______________________________s in certain cities would i__________t e__________r g__________________s. Instead, governments can m______________________________s. Public spaces could include more s____________s, such as trees and s__________s, in order to a_________b sound. On p_______________t, there could be s__________________g so that sound does not b__________e and travel as far. There may also be s______s that could be taken i_____________f traffic and residential areas that would e__________e more s___________t cities with l_____________y. These are m_______________s to a large problem, however, their impact i__________________e would be m____________l.
In conclusion, although cities are becoming noisier as they become more p____________s and people are more o_____n today, this can be r____________d if authorities d______________________s. In the future, this issue will only become more p_________g.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic by watching videos from The New York Times YouTube channel below and practice with these activities:
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